About

EURL

The European Union Reference Laboratory for Public Health on food- and waterborne bacteria (EURL-PH-FWDB) is one of the European Union Reference Laboratories for Public Health designated by the European Commission (EC). The EC designates EURLs in public health to support national reference laboratories in improving diagnostics, testing methods, and surveillance of serious cross-border health threats. The EURL-PH-FWDB has been operational since 1 January 2026. Denmark's Statens Serum Institut (SSI), the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), and Italy’s National Institute of Health (ISS) will undertake the role and functions of the EURL. The EURL will closely collaborate with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) to ensure an effective response to disease threats.

Food- and waterborne bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, Shigella, E. coli, and Campylobacter pose serious public health risks, causing cross-border outbreaks and straining healthcare systems. The EURL has three main objectives: (1) Strengthen collaboration between network laboratories to enhance knowledge sharing, standardise testing, and improve surveillance and outbreak response; (2) Provide targeted training and technical support to align laboratories with international standards; and (3) Foster global collaboration through a One Health approach to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and climate-related health risks.

EU Reference Laboratories for public health (EC.eu)